Sugar Bugs and Mouth Monsters: 3 Tips for Parents

Talking to your kids about cavities is very important. But, as with anything else with children, it’s also important to keep it fun. When you make it fun for your kids, they will be more likely to brush and floss without the usual battle. Are you wondering how you can talk to your kids about cavities and good oral hygiene without losing their interest?

We are here to help with some tips for breaking it down so that your kids can better understand the importance of brushing and flossing.

3 Tips for Teaching Kids About Cavities

Use the right words. Try using words like “sugar bugs” and “mouth monsters” to describe the bacterial villains that cause tooth decay. Pretend it’s a game, and tell them that it’s time to battle the monsters. This is especially useful for getting kids to floss – tell them that the only way to win against the sugar bugs is to floss in between the teeth!

Make the bathroom visually fun and friendly. Use brightly colored brushes, walls, towels and a reward system to make hygiene time more appealing and kid friendly. Let them pick out their toothbrush and toothpaste so they are excited to use them. You can even allow them to put the toothpaste on the brush themselves once they are old enough to spit reliably. And, for extra fun, play some music while they brush – find a favorite song that is 2 minutes long (the recommended time for brushing) and brush away!

Create charts, posters and homemade pictures in the bathroom that teach them good oral hygiene from early on. Have them decorate the chart by drawing sugar bugs and personalizing it with their own touch.

These are just a few of the many ideas we have to teach your kids the important of proper oral hygiene and how to fight cavities. For more information, please contact our office at Louisville Office Phone Number 502-231-1418.